Industrial metals are indispensable raw materials for the modern economy. They are characterized by their high availability, versatile applicability, and essential role in industrial processes. Whether in construction, automotive production, or electronics manufacturing – industrial metals form the foundation of modern technologies and infrastructures.
Copper is considered the ‘red gold’ of industry and is the most important metal for electrical applications due to its excellent conductivity. It is essential for power grids, electric motors, renewable energies, and electromobility. The increasing demand for green energy continuously drives the copper market, while global mining is increasingly confronted with challenges such as declining ore grades and environmental regulations.
Aluminum is a key material in transportation, construction, and packaging industries due to its light weight and corrosion resistance. As it is energy-intensive to produce, aluminum recycling is becoming increasingly important – a sector that is growing strongly.
Zinc is primarily used for galvanizing steel and protects it from corrosion. It is essential for durable infrastructures, particularly in buildings, bridges, and vehicle bodies. Additionally, zinc is being researched in battery technology as a potential alternative metal to lithium.
Lead is primarily known for its use in car battery production. While the demand for lead batteries in the classic automotive sector is declining, lead remains an important industrial metal due to its durability and recyclability, especially for stationary energy storage.
Steel raw materials (iron ore, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium) are essential for global steel production. High-quality steels often contain alloying metals such as nickel for corrosion resistance or vanadium for additional hardness. The steel market is heavily influenced by the construction and automotive industries, with China dominating as the largest producer and consumer.
The prices and availability of industrial metals are determined by global economic cycles, infrastructure investments, and geopolitical developments. While industrial metals are often considered sensitive to economic conditions, they are gaining increasing strategic importance through new technologies such as electrified transportation, sustainable buildings, and the hydrogen economy.